Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore fondly recalls his small role in the nation’s bicentennial, which took place 50 years ago. “I remember walking down the middle of Taunton Avenue in East Providence in a parade with a tricorn hat on,” says Amore, recalling the 1976 celebration, a transformative event for many who experienced it. “My dad was actually on the RI-76 commission.”
Amore now serves as chair of the RI 250 Commission (RI250), which is guiding the state through the year-long commemoration of the semiquincentennial, marking the founding of our nation. “It’s not a ceremonial position,” he explains. “The activities of the commission go through our office. I believe I’m the only secretary of state in the country that chairs one of the 250th commissions.”
Established in 2021, RI250 includes numerous stakeholders and dozens of organizations participating in the multi-year commemoration. The commission is dedicated to sharing the stories of all Rhode Islanders, especially those groups and individuals who have previously been underrepresented in the narrative, a fact the former high school civics teacher emphasizes. “When I first voted for this legislation as a member of the House of Representatives, the belief was this was an opportunity to tell Rhode Island’s story as part of the nation’s story, and we have a great story to tell,” says Amore, a former Rhode Island History Teacher of the Year.
“Considering the divisive nature of our politics today, I think it’s a great opportunity to tell a story of unification and talk about our shared values, which are on display in the Declaration of Independence, the document that gave birth to the Constitution. Besides telling Rhode Island’s story and engaging with Rhode Islanders about our history and our democracy, we have an opportunity to talk about what unites us as Americans.”
Amore says there is one notable difference between this year’s commemoration and 1976. “I think one of the differences between the 250 commemoration and celebration from the 1976 commemoration and celebration is that most of these states are being really intentional about telling the whole story of their state, the whole story of the birth of the nation,” he explains. “In particular, we are highlighting the First Rhode Island Regiment, one of the first and most integrated military regiments in American history. They fought bravely and with distinction everywhere they went, and they truly integrated two full companies of Black and Indigenous soldiers fighting alongside white soldiers, including at Yorktown, where Cornwallis surrendered – the First Rhode Island played a key role there.”
Amore is also among those leading initiatives to bring the commemoration into Rhode Island classrooms. “Rhode Island teachers have embraced this,” he says. “I’ve embarked on a statewide school visit tour where we give a lesson on the Declaration of Independence, Rhode Island’s role in the founding of the nation, and a discussion of Nathanael Greene, as well as our two signers, William Ellery and Stephen Hopkins.” He plans to visit close to 100 schools by the end of the year.
In addition to programming planned in cities and towns this year, signature events include a large-scale WaterFire on July 4, that includes a performance by the Rhode Island Philharmonic, and a massive American flag draped over the State House, and RI250 is sponsoring an honor flight for veterans in Washington DC. Learn more at RhodeIsland250.org
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